LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - THE RENEGADE IMMORTAL - SECTION 15

"But hold on, how did you escape the second onslaught and the ensuing persecution?" Uyuk's pesky question broke the long silence. "Hadn't Minister Wushing's entire family been wiped out?  Friends, affiliates, even mere acquaintances; weren't they all hunted down and tortured to death, right down to the very last one?  Did you again flee?"

01-  HUGEN )jp

"I did escape, yes, with a vow to avenge my benefactor later." Hugen disdainfully scoffed.  "I am no coward, merely practical.  If I had died, then how could I repay the kindness Wushing had shown me?"

"All right, all right," Uyuk held up his hand, relenting.  "I was out of line."  This was the closest Uyuk came to apologizing.  Seeing that Hugen was pacified, Uyuk then urged him to recount the more explicit details of how the Minister of the Interior Wushing had saved the nation from catastrophic extermination during the first round of warfare.  Hugen, somewhat reticent, nevertheless obliged.

"Hmm...As I said before, His Highness Anguan Binchan was adamant; more than ready to fight Zakhertan Yozdek to the bitter end, but it was Minister Wushing who argued a more effective course.  Wushing advised that it was better for His Highness to buy some time in which Korion could recoup losses and prepare for a proper vengeance later on.  Zakhertan Yozdek at that time commanded an invincible army of one billion men, still flushed with victory and carrying superior arms.  Though the gallant warriors of Korion were all determined to fight to the bitter end, a course which would still inflict great havoc upon Zakhertan's forces, the effort would still not be enough to save our country.”

02- WUSHING, THE MINISTER OF INTERIOR

“Wushing then had summed up his argument with these akin (similar)words: As things stand today, restraint is key, we are well fortressed here in Zujug and have enough rations to withstand a siege of more than two years.  Zakhertan Yozdek knows this and will undoubtedly seek to draw us out to hasty engagement in battle; and, he is unfortunately, quite adept (expert, practiced) in doing just that. Without a shrewd (wily) recourse (strategy) therefore, our certain offensive, will be like that of amassed force/moths, propelled to a flame.  Furthermore, to effectively invalidate (weaken) Zakhertan’s command of that sort of indomitable army, we need to strike and effectively siphon (nullify, erode) his power (control) at the very root (source), in other words, at the base of Zakhertan’s staunch (steadfast) support, amidst the ruling elite of Wenjenkun. Thus, Wushing persuaded the King to send him as a strategic envoy to the Court of Zuronghan Alric Therran Valamir, purportedly to sue for peace. 

03- PRIME MINISTER MORVALD (19) JP

Wushing, being a resourceful minister understood Prime Minister Morvald of Wenjenkun, the father-in-law of Zakhertan Yozdek, was a pompous, licentious and rapacious (avaricious) lord. More importantly, Morvald and Minister Xitor both exerted great influence on the Sovereign of Wenjenkun and it was by offering great bribes and beautiful women to both these officials, that they were influenced into doing Korion's bidding.  Through their influence, Minister Wushing was granted a timely audience with Sovereign Zuronghan Alric Therran Valamir."

Hugen left his narrative to offer a small digression, "The present government of Zakhertan Yozdek is rigidly controlled and fear of their Sovereign is far too great for employment of this sort of tactic now; hence, other avenues (contravening measures) need be utilized."

"Yes, we saw just how far Kontu got when they offered bribes." Uyuk sneered.

"Are you daft?" Hugen shook his head in exasperation.

"You mean?"  Uyuk's mouth fell open for a second in amazement as he quickly grasped the picture.

Hugen hid the smirk that stole onto his lips and dismissively (impatiently) waved his hand. Fire coursing through his veins, he animatedly continued with his narrating the history: "Wushing made supplications to the Imperial Court of Wenjenkun, beseeching the Royal Highness Zuronghan Alric Therran Valamir to grant us peace.  At the same time, he relayed, with certain eloquence, the apologies of our Sovereign Anguan Binchan for the offense that had been inadvertently given and, our Monarch's willingness to return (revert) to the previous status of an ally, a tutelary (protective) state, when all present unwarranted hostilities ceased.”

04- JURONGHAN ALRIC THERRAN VALAMIR JP (4)

"As was the usual case, Zuronghan Alric Therran Valamir took the matter to private counsel before rendering a decision, only to have both Prime Minister Morvald and the Minister Xitor both speak favorably of the peace accord, this initiative, overriding (superseding) Zakhertan Yozdek’s adamant (insistent) petitions to be given time and supplies to completely exterminate the opposition before proceeding to the border of the Rheox region to subdue the unruly Nehor tribesmen. By this time, you see, rapacious Zakhertan Yozdek had made several advances in the face of our fierce opposition and had by then brought the peripheral areas of Zujug under his control as well as the strategic Kenquan Pass to the north-west of the city.  Building up strong earthworks and ramparts he had encamped around Zujug and laid in an all-out siege.  As you know, the city was particularly built for defense on the banks of the Quito River with rings of impregnable fortifications and a standing force of 9000 men to which had been added 7000 of Anguan Binchan's army.  Wushing had indeed insured that the position would be safe if they would but stay inside.” 

05-ZAKHERTAN YOZDEDK  (8) JP 2

“Zakhertan Yozdek mounted vigorous attacks both day and night yet, after a month he still had failed to gain any advantage.  This lack of success coupled with the diplomatic offensive Wushing had launched back in capital Channing of Wenjenkun could have caused a less determined man to waiver, unable to bide the time until the defenders of Zujug ran out of supplies and capitulated. As luck would have it, the courier bearing a progress report from Wushing to His Grace Anguan Binchan was intercepted by a detail of Zakhertan Yozdek’s reconnaissance men. The report itself contained nothing which could be used to incriminate Wushing back in Channing; however, Zakhertan Yozdek still was able to use it to devise an ingenious ruse to lure the forces of Korion out of the stronghold.”

“He had the report ingeniously forged to state instead that, Wushing had utterly failed in his task and presently imprisoned, was awaiting torture and execution.  The altered report demanded Korion's total capitulation, payment of a huge tribute and the immediate surrender of His Royal Majesty Anguan Binchan in person to Marshall Zakhertan Yozdek.”

 “Zakhertan of course knew that, even though Sovereign Anguan would be demoralized by this news, his Grace would rather fight than concede to these demands.  A spy disguised as the original courier then delivered the forged report to Zujug.”

“To complete the deception, Zakhertan planted rumors that there had been a large force of reinforcements dispatched from Wenjenkun as soon as Wushing was imprisoned. Acting on these reports and believing there was no other recourse, His Royal Highness Anguan Binchan himself led 7000 crack troops out of the stronghold in the early dawn hours and arrayed them in battle formation on the west bank of the Quito River.”

06-ANGUAN BINCHAN KORION KING (31)JP

“The Korion’s force of 9000 left inside the city was ordered not to interfere in the ensuing battle. Zakhertan of course, had as well anticipated this outcome and two days beforehand had secreted about one third of his infantry in the woods, presently flanking His Grace's position. Zakhertan Yozdek and his invincible cavalry, followed by the remaining two thirds infantry now arrayed themselves across the river.  At his command the portion of the cavalry charged forward, fording the river at specific points and a pitched battle ensued. Our forces not only stood their ground but, aided by the difficulty Zakhertan's cavalry had in fording the river, were able to turn this murderous assault around.  By about mid-morning it appeared to Sovereign Anguan Binchan that the battle was going his way; for part of Zakhertan's infantry left on the other side of the Quito River seemingly demoralized, was breaking ranks and part of it (in small groups) already started to move to the rear. Then Zakhertan Yozdek’s impersonator sounded the retreat.  An elite cavalry contingent which was the suicide group along with Zakhertan’s double, that had prior fiercely engaged Sovereign Anguan Binchan’s key forces, now turned (hightailed) and plunged back into the river hotly pursued by Anguan’s cavalrymen. Completing the deception, rest of the infantry on the far bank had also broken ranks; they run seemingly helter-skelter (in disorder), to disappear behind a wall of tall bushes.”

“Sovereign Anguan, believing he could seize this moment, ordered his men to continue pursuing Zakhertan and the enemy through the waist-deep river.  The trap totally unseen had already been set in this mid-portion of the river they were coached to trespass. Sometime prior you see, during the cover of night, specifically designed vessels had secretly dumped, great quantities of boulders, broken rocks, crockery, and other such sharp metal spikes in mid-stream, not enough to obstruct the flow of the river but to create hazardous course and to inflict injury and cuts to the anticipated cavalry horse’s feet and legs. “

“Korion's cavalry contingent was about halfway across the river when the full scope of Zakhertan's plan became apparent.  Sovereign Anguan Binchan’s cavalry along with their suicide cavalry contingent were all bogged down in midstream (current) by these destructive elements. The (shrill) high-pitched whistle just then commanded the infantry regiment, armed with long bows and quivers, which had taken cover behind tall bushes, to at once emerge and to re-form in precise rows at the shoreline. All highly skilled archers they took aim, a clear shot, and then let loose volley of arrows (that darkened the sky).”

“Concurrently, behind Sovereign Anguan's forces the Zakhertan Yozdek’s one third portion of infantry also poured out of the woods from the high ground to take up the defenses Anguan had abandoned, cutting of his possible retreat.”

“These marksmen (competent) archers as well, in sync (as one) taking up positions, joined in on the onslaught (massacre), each arrow piercing through leather’ armor and finding their deadly mark, near decimated the cavalry ensnared (trapped) in midstream of the river.  The situation was most dire for both our forces and their suicide squadron as many cruelly were pierced, heartlessly cut down or drowned. But all was not lost; Heaven taking pity sent forth just then a dense fog, which totally obscured all visibility. Our valiant heroes flanking our sovereign fought the elements as well as the impenetrable forces of Zakhertan and brought our Sovereign back on the banks of the river and to safety. Then using their shields as cover, our Sovereign, and those gallants, fighting desperately, made their way slowly and painfully back upstream to the battlements of Zujug where they finally received some covering fire from the defenders inside.  By the time His Grace Anguan Binchan had led the last of his expeditionary force through the gate, there were approximately 6500 men left dead and dying, washed up on the banks of the Quito River. His forces considerably demoralized and reduced in number, Anguan reviewed his options, of which surrender was (definitely) not one.  Down to the last officer and infantryman, all the defenders of Zujug vowed to face impalement on their own swords rather than the disgrace of defeat at the hands of Zakhertan Yozdek.  This mass suicide was distressingly near (close) when accurate word arrived from Wushing.  With great foresight the Minister had taken due precautions and had sent a backup report shortly after dispatching the first unfortunate courier.”

07-WUSHING, AS AN ENVOY

"Zakhertan Yozdek meanwhile, had been apprised of the dangerous developments in Channing by his informants in court and hoping to intervene in time, forwarded a strongly termed memorandum to His Imperial Highness Zuronghan Therran Valamir, in which he professed his loyalty and enumerated the serious threat His Grace Anguan Binchan posed to Wenjenkun.”

“This contention was substantiated by the irrefutable reports of the current battle and the steadfast (staunch, dogged) resistance of the defenders of Zujug. Zakhertan further warned his Sovereign, rightly so, that Anguan still commanded the (enviable) love and unfaltering fealty (allegiance) of his subjects and led a still formidable fighting force despite the most recent humiliating campaign (war).  ‘A wounded tiger must be finished off entirely before it portends more trouble.’  Zakhertan Yozdek had advised and, ‘A blighted crop must be burned to the root to prevent re-growth.'” Hugen swallowed hard then nodded. “I swear there’s no embellishment here.  These were the (precise) very words he used."

Hugen grimaced (scowled), seeing the skepticism in Uyuk's eyes.  "You see, Wushing had obtained a copy of this very memorandum.  I told you he was resourceful. There was also in it, the expected warning against Wushing, who was accused of deception and purposefully misleading Zuronghan Therran Valamir about the peace prospects in-order-to buy time for Korion’s reclamation (recovery).  Zakhertan Yozdek urged his Sovereign to put Wushing to the sword at once.”

“Fortunately for Korian, Zuronghan Alric Therran Valamir paid no heed to these warnings and all of Zakhertan’s subsequent memorandums were either intercepted, re-edited by Prime Minister Morvald or simply fell on deaf ears.”

08- PRIME MINISTER MORVALD

“More so at about this time Zuronghan Alric Therran Valamir had begun to lend an ear to those old adversaries of Zakhertan Yozdek, who had seized this opportunity while Field Marshall was away, to band together to malign and denounce Zakhertan.  Successfully arguing their point, they were quick to present (demonstrate) evidence of the costliness of these unwarranted, self-serving punitive campaigns, which had been in fact, a castigatory measure of the Field Marshall Zakhertan Yozdek's, fulfilling his aspiration to settle an old vendetta (quite a few aristocrats and military personnel) in Korion. This heavy toll on Wenkenkun, more insidiously had also fostered Zakhertan’s other long term high ambition, slyly hinting therefore, at Zakhertan’s long term goal of, usurping absolute power.”

At this juncture Hugen had paused to remind Uyuk, "Remember, while still a lowly Lieutenant under Commander Linder, Zakhertan Yozdek had once been taken prisoner by our Sovereign, then Prince Anguan Binchan, after a crushing defeat at the Battle of Xteak and Zidney.  Who’s to say, as a prisoner, what this future Emperor had felt was the unbearable blight or humiliation he’d been subjected to? Probably it was nothing more than the standard treatment for all prisoners. It could have been a mere dressing down by a punctilious guard, or perhaps the assignment to some of the menial duties normally given to low-ranking prisoners such as swabbing out the stables or cleaning the latrines (toilet, especially a communal one on a military base).  To date no one knows what manner of insult it had been at the root which had so inflamed Zakhertan Yozdek; so much so that, he’d sustained and nurtured the voracious, fervent seed of revenge, till nothing, nothing short of the complete annihilation of our Nation would appease him?"  Hugen shrugged.

 "I confess, I don't have least clue, and frankly, I don't think there is anyone left alive who does. One thing is for certain however, Zakhertan's vindictive nature is all too well known; furthermore, he was, and he still is today, an arrogant beast.  Anguan would have done better to have disposed of this pesky prisoner at the moment of his capture; this sort deserves no clemency (no leniency) at all. "

"I quite agree." Uyuk interjected hotly.

Hugen nodded, "But then, it’s easier to determine the right course and lay blame, in hindsight.”

“How could anyone has predicted then, the way Zakhertan would, by such an ingenious ruse, affect his escape…Or that, concealing his even higher aspirations, after his return to Wenjenkun in such a short period he would raise to such prominence to be Field Marshall?  Oh, but I digress."  He waved a dismissive hand and cleared his throat.

"Yes, well, eventually Wushing succeeded in his aim, if it could be called that, considering the enormous annual tribute which is siphoned off to Wenjenkun every year in exchange for this precarious peace.  This and the abjectly humiliating verbal retraction and remorse, demanded of our Sovereign.  What more could they ask? “

“Oh well, as expected, Zuronghan Alric Therran Valamir took the bait."  Hugen winked, "He pardoned our Sovereign Anguan Binchan and, Korion from then on became the seventh subsidiary state of the ravenous Wenjenkun.”

“When after a lengthy inquiry of an independent Royal Commission had substantiated Wushing's allegations of genocide and horrendous atrocities committed by Zakhertan Yozdek’s forces in Korion, the Sovereign of Wenjenkun, being a righteous king, had of course, was appalled.  Whatever his other faults may be, one thing was for certain Late Sovereign Zuronghan Therran Valamir had always tried to rule with benevolence.  Outraged by the liberties Zakhertan had taken, and perhaps wary of his growing influence and the size of the army under his command, Zuronghan Therran Valamir recalled Zakhertan Yozdek to Channing at once. A special tribunal was set up to have him answer to these serious allegations and to be duly chastised. His replacement, a decorated general in the Imperial force, named Litham Fazhor, who had served Sovereign of Wenjenkun for many years with valor, was dispatched immediately with Imperial edict (decree), commanding him to lift the siege at Zujug and take that great army into Hangou State to annex them before proceeding into the Rheox region to subdue the unruly Nehor tribesmen.” Hugen swallowed hard. “Except that, Zakhertan Yozdek returning to Channing (without his army), so ably and successfully argued his case that, in the end, he’d not only escaped severe reprimand but as well, retained his lofty position."

"Hah!  That was their Sovereign's fatal mistake." Uyuk, caught up in the momentum, excitedly slapped his thigh.

09- HUGEN (61)jp

"Well, despite that, for the moment it appeared as though Korion was out of danger." Hugen continued after a gesture of acknowledgment toward Uyuk.  "In actual fact, all that brought us was a temporary respite (break, postponement), though not nearly enough time for the reconstruction and rebuilding of our defenses.  Unfortunately, before we could attain this aim, the political winds in Wenjenkun had shifted and a new, more destructive course had been charted for our Country's history. Every citizen of Korion was nonetheless prepared to endure even lengthier period of submission so that one day; after achieving strong, bilateral allies and covertly mobilizing an invincible army, we could then launch a successful all-out offensive against Wenjenkun.”

"Prudently meanwhile, Wushing anticipating Zakhertan Yozdek’s unpredictability, his ultimate ambition and taking into account the fickle fate, had already implemented (initiated) key measures to strengthen our state and defensive capabilities.”

“This prescience (insight) may have been what spared us from total annihilation."  Hugen shrugged, and then continued, “Unfortunately the real gremlins that foiled his plans were the twin failures of insufficient time and insufficient funds.  Remember, we were burdened with a hefty annual tribute to Wenjenkun aside from any projects of reconstruction and defense.  Yet it was most ironic to witness the resulting devastation in Wenjenkun itself when it became ripped apart by its own bloody civil war, in which those loyalists who resisted Zakhertan Yozdek paid a terrible price.”

"Yes.", he nodded thoughtfully, "Hmm!  Imagine him inflicting these same horrors on his own countrymen!  That goes to show you, doesn't it, the kind of man, or rather a monster, he is.  Millions upon millions were needlessly slaughtered on a grand scale unimaginable, too horrendous to describe."  Hugen ground his teeth in disgust.

"But then, the greater the civilization the more despicable, the more savage, the more barbaric would be its inevitable devastating downfall and ruin." Uyuk interjected scornfully.

"But wait, worst was yet to come." Hugen impatiently held out his hand. “Be patient with him.” he inwardly admonished self, for he knew Uyuk was, after all, just spurting out rhetoric in vain attempt to mask his ignorance and to appear somewhat knowledgeable.

 

(END OF SECTION  15)

 

 LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - ON THE WAY TO THE CAPITAL - SECTION 4

In truth the Immortal Zonar Kuntzu’s loss was only temporary; after an arduous effort, he would eventually regain (recover) all that he’d lost.   

Nevetsecnuac could not of course have imagined the extent of hazard he’d at present instigated, for the danger unleashed upon the world, albeit temporary, was very much real, as this amulet (that had housed the dangerous entity Cassar, who was called Mokak, later renamed, Jenor) was in fact more than Zonar’s family heirloom (a birthright article). The imprisoned entity within the amulet had once been bound to Zonar’s father Zandar Kuntzu’s genetic factor (DNA).

01- ZANDAR KUNTZU

Zandar, though later was considered a renegade Immortal, had once despite his youth, had held a prominent position within the ruling elite (of elders), of the ancient race of Karn. Upon Zandar’s demise, because of his specific genetic link to Zonar, this onerous responsibility of safekeeping the amulet, a lifelong sentence that could not be erased or shirked (evaded, dodged) whatever the circumstance, had then been (trussed, tethered) passed down to Zonar.  

Centuries earlier Cassars, a troublesome race had been the catalyst of a catastrophic dissention (discord) among existing ancient races; set against one another the irreconcilable differences and disparaging venom had resulted in the eventual destruction of the many primordial elite powers. Only the most resilient race of Karn (and few other races that had integrated within its modules) had triumphed; hence, decade later ending the cataclysmic wars and furthermore, conquering then imprisoning, the few remaining Cassars of this unruly (rowdy) race that had instigated (triggered) it all.  

02 -  CASSARS )

Adversarial elements of these Cassars properly contained, spanning several centuries now the armistice (truce and resulting concord) had lasted on Earh, as the dominant race of Karn, as well, few remaining subsidiary custodians of this world, had peacefully coexisted well hidden in the remotest corners (chiefly at the summits and at the icy peaks), result of having graciously allowed the species of men the sole dominion over (placid, more climatically favorable, more livable parts of the) Earth.  

It would have been far better for the world, if this troublesome race Cassars had been totally expunged; however, by consensus of the elders of Karn, Cassars had been subjugated (bested by the utilization of ice or water) though spared from total annihilation.  

03- (ELDERS OF KARN)

Elders of Karn had, moreover, additionally afforded mankind that definite measure of safety- by constraining, rather, indefinitely imprisoning few spared Cassars, in the protective water crystal amulet that selected members of Karn wore. It was a bane (burden) to be endured till the end of time. In the unlikely event the prior custodian would expire, the amulet would then be (transferred) bequeathed to the offspring sharing the same genetic factor.  Now under normal circumstances, Zonar’s immortal father would have discussed in detail the amulet’s range of powers and, even given his son some necessary, precise instructions (pointers) to maintain absolute control over the imprisoned entity; however, Zonar, sent away for his own safety at an early age to grow up among anonymous mortal family, had never been afforded this opportunity.  

Furthermore, the subsequent bizarre circumstances that elicited (caused) the premature, atypical (odd) demise of renegade Immortal Zandar Kuntzu, and hence, well before Zonar could master the amulet’s intransigent powers, Cassar entity called Mokak, with his resourcefulness had once, successfully affected its escape from captivity. (Check out: Legend of Nevetsecnuac, Book 2 titled The Ordeal, more precisely, Section 8, where Mokak is mentioned.)

At that time Zonar, wanting to know more about this amulet and the entity it contained, had avidly perused those veiled (oblique, coded) secret teachings his father Zandar Kunzu had left with him, but since the situation of escape (of any Cassar) had never once transpired  (occurred), not while the amulet had been in his father’s safekeeping, it had taken Zonar many more months of quest and sheer luck, to capture and re-enslave sly Mokak (later renamed Jekor ) in the crystal Amulet. Since then, Zonar on his own merit, through trial and error, utilizing his brilliant and discerning mind, had discovered few more facets of the amulet’s varied, multitude powers.  

04 - ZONAR KUNTZU

Currently, during combat with Nevetsecnuac, when the amulet broke in two this, despite Zonar’s stoic, stone countenance-  mindful of the now matured and at large entity’s, Jekor (Mokak)’s inherently grown prowess’s and the unimaginable, portended havoc he could unleash on the unsuspecting world and on both (mortal and immortal) realms- seriously troubled Zonar.  Anticipating the arduous task of, recapturing this willy, artful and now more potent menace, caused Zonar to, pensively (thoughtfully) but with unreadable expression, glance away. 

05- (MOKAK- ALSO KNOWN AS JEKOR)

Sensing only an inkling of the magnitude (scope) of the dire circumstance, Nevetsecnuac knitted his brows, and covertly pinned his questioning gaze on Zonar; as he, same time fought the ominous foreboding that had suddenly vice-griped his heart. “Had he inadvertently, seriously harmed his benefactor Zonar by damaging the (potent)amulet, in the course of it, ending any chance of his enlisting Zonar future guidance?”  

Nevetsecnuac now hastened to ask the latter’s forgiveness but Zonar, after his fleeting icy, contemptuous glare, simply snorted and again looked away. But then in afterthought, he’d quickly passed it off as fate and dispassionately shrugged his shoulders; determined not to let this rare opportunity (of further testing his nephew) be wasted, he just unfastened the clasp and removed the chain, with the broken amulet ( crack in the middle now emitting no light) still precariously hanging from it, from around his neck, then walking to the edge of a high precipice, hurled it into river.  He watched its descent, it being swallowed by the fast-flowing waters then, with a changed, resigned expression on his face, inclined (turned) his head to grimace wryly at Nevetsecnuac. 

Afterwards he simply walked back with large strides and halting few inches away from Nevetsecnuac, cooly proposed that they might as well continue the combat. When Nevetsecnuac showed some reluctance to engage him, his short temper flared, and he roared in fury: “You dare to insult me?” And then in lightening speed launched his murderous assault.

Forsaking his reserve, Nevetsecnuac fought back, at first on the defensive but soon shifting to the offense.  

06- NEVETSECNUAC FIGHTS ZONAR

The two combatants consequently, as one successive blur to the naked eye endlessly fought on in a dizzying whirlwind, or, in unrelenting fierce deadlock, back and forth, well into the night. The Earth rumbled incessantly at their extraordinary might while Heaven knew no peace from the sheer intensity of their powerful strikes. Once, as if in protest, a mounting flotilla of dark clouds congregated to shroud the moon and the stars, following it with angry rumbling and streaks of lighting miring (marking) the sky; meanwhile, quaking ground underfoot at times shook the soil (earth), debris and boulders loose, uprooting trees, creating gashes or deep chasms, to enforce termination of the relentless, vigorous combat. But still undaunted, the battle had raged on without ceasing in intensity.  And when the first rays of dawn finally broke from hurrying (sailing) clouds, for Heaven had had enough, the rising gale winds punishingly swept across the Earth. Thunder and lightning more repetitiously now crashed about them and alight trees threatened to scorch them and reduce them to cinders. Subsequently, the torrential rains changed into hailstones, pounded mercilessly on their heads and turned the ground underfoot into muddy rivers.

Their persistence prevailing over Heaven’s will, eventually, by about noon of the third day, the skies cleared up. The brilliant sun’s golden rays bathed the drenched Earth and enveloped the brave warriors in sweltering heat as they still fought on.

07- ZONAR FIGHTS NEVETS (15)

Suddenly however, Zonar, in mid blow, stayed his hand and leapt out of the circle of combat once more.  

“Enough, I see now that a thousand more rounds will not engender your defeat. I therefore salute you sir, as a true and unequivocal equal.  Despite your age, you bear the singular mark of a great warrior.”

Throwing back his head, he laughed uproariously.  “Ha!  Ha!  This is what I needed most to shake myself out of my complacency.  I thank you, sir, for this most invaluable lesson.”  Assuming a more serious expression, he then bowed low to Nevetsecnuac (his nephew) in deep respect.

Bowing also, Nevetsecnuac reciprocated the courtesy.

“The honor is mine, sir, to have even met by half measure your outstanding abilities.”

 He next voiced his heart felt desire to become Zonar’s tyro (novice, trainee, acolyte, follower, student).

“Though a feasible consideration, it’s not convenient for me to accede at this time.” Clenching his fist and musing, Zonar looked away in silence.

 Zonar was in fact beginning to worry, having lingered in one spot (and time zone) far too long; therefore, risking being discovered by his ardent nemesis bent on his destruction.

 Stealing a glance at Nevetsecnuac from the corner of his eye, he further mused, “Yes in many ways, you remind me of Tuko.  Had my mortal younger brother, survived the massacre he may have turned out exactly like you.  But no!  It’s not time yet… And furthermore, with so much at stake, I can ill afford the indolence of sentiment, hence, jeopardy (risk, hazard).”  Nevertheless, he felt constrained to give Nevetsecnuac, a palpable (tangible, convincing) excuse.

“I am tempted, sir. But I fear that such, is out of the question!” Zonar finally spoke in a restrained, somber voice.

He bit his lip, “To befriend you, my sworn enemy? Wenjenkun and Korion, two strong adversary nations, will not do; for long exists the lethal animosity, toxic rivalry between (our countrymen) both.” 

 He knit his brows and with clenched fists, he simply looked away.

 “Ney; for it would mean violating every fabric of my…. and forsaking loyalty to my Sovereign.  How can I then, face my countrymen with dignity?”

08- NEVETSECNUAC DISSAPPOINTED

As Nevetsecnuac, eyeing him curiously, remained lost for words, Zonar forced a smile onto his pallid lips then, as if in an afterthought, faced Nevetsecnuac and inclined his head gallantly.  

“My name, sir, in all confidence, is Zonar Kuntzu.  I’m a native of Korion, born thirty-two years ago.  That much I will divulge, for you have well earned the right to know it.  We will be meeting again, though under what circumstances I cannot rightly predict.  I pray, however, that when that happens you will not judge me too harshly.  Each of us must follow the bidding of our loyal heart.  Remember well my parting words: ‘Even if I fail, I will not fail.’ “

Nevetsecnuac bowed to him in gratitude for the civil negation (rejection, snub) but, when he lifted his eyes to confess his own true name, the words froze on his tongue for, once more, Zonar had vanished into thin air without a trace.

Nevetsecnuac nodded his head in deep understanding.

“Yes, we are kindred spirits and, it is evident we share similar fate. Zonar Kuntzu, bound by duty, you are also headed for that uncertain future (prospects)! Existing briefly perhaps on this Earth, though more certainly me, we stive hard to accomplish that vital and arduous task, for which only we are destined to do.”

“Till we meet again my friend; I am Nevetsecnuac Alric Therran Valamir.” Nevetsecnuac whispered after Zonar, his eyes brimmed with tears.  

“I wish you well and, bid you fond farewell, my esteemed, elder brother.”

 Nevetsecnuac subsequently retrieved the gift, the sword, and after wiping the blade clean and sheathing it (placing it back in its scabbard), inwardly invoked the word: Lomelak. The magnificent sword (with its casing) instantly shrunk and reverted to an ordinary writing brush. Nevetsecnuac was ecstatic; he’d never owned a magical sword before. Desiring to test it again, he this time inwardly uttered (articulated) the word: Lohcnilik. Lo and behold, the writing brush instantly became the magnificent, sheathed sword again. And when it was again transformed into a writing brush, jubilant (thrilled) Nevetsecnuac secured it on his person. He then quickly gathered up his belongings and, not looking back, catapulted onto his horse, and raced towards the Capital, the mare’s hooves churning up a cloud of dust behind him.

                                                                                 ~

(End of Section 4)                                                                               ~